Patent Application
20230329945
This invention relates generally to an isolation apparatus for isolating an individual patient either in chemical or biological incidents or in standard medical care and transport, such as for treatment of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, and, more particularly, to an isolation apparatus with additional treatment features that allow treatment access to patients, as well as being collapsible when not in use.
Governments and armed forces are increasingly concerned over the potential for the use of chemical or biological weapons in terrorist attacks or in warfare. The use of chemical or biological weapons create special concerns among rescuers. Particularly, unlike conventional weapons, exposure by rescuers to victims of chemical or biological attack can adversely affect these rescuers. To avoid such effects on rescuers, including medical and transport personnel, it is necessary to isolate the victims of the attack. Meanwhile, in the civilian sector it is increasingly required to treat all emergency patients as potentially infectious and hazardous to personnel and equipment. This requires the use of isolation techniques during transport and treatment. Further, the resurgence of virulent strains of other diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2, has required that the civilian medical community consider the need for individual isolation facilities.
A general object of the invention is to provide an improved isolation apparatus for isolating an individual patient, either in chemical or biological incidents or in connection with standard medical care and transport. The invention includes a generally tubular enclosure with two opposite ends, and with a transparent or semi-transparent portion for viewing the inner patient compartment and any person therein.
The general object of the invention can be attained, at least in part, through an isolation apparatus including an enclosure having a base to receive the patient thereon, and an upper enclosure component connected to the base and enclosing a patient chamber over the base. The upper enclosure component includes a transparent window panel and two opposite end walls. The enclosure is desirably collapsible and/or foldable into a collapsed form having a reduced length and a diameter no larger than that of the expanded enclosure. The isolation apparatus includes a blower attachment configured to receive a blower to create a negative pressure within the enclosure.
The upper enclosure can be attached to the base by a zipper extending between the base and three sides of the upper enclosure component. A zipper flap on the external surface of the upper enclosure component can be used to cover the zipper when closed. The zipper flap desirably includes a transparent panel at least over a top stop end of the zipper, allowing for checking a zipper position through the flap.
The upper enclosure component includes one or more glove arms extendable into the patient chamber and accessible from outside the enclosure. In embodiments of this invention, each of the glove arms includes a retraction tab connected inside the glove arm for pulling and retracting the glove arm from the patient chamber. The retraction tab desirably includes a fastener corresponding to a counterpart fastener on an outer surface of the upper enclosure component, such as for securing the glove arm in the retracted position.
The enclosure can include one or more medical ports, such as including at least one access tube configured to receive medical tubing and/or wiring therethrough. The medical port can include a removable cap for each of the at least one access tube.
Embodiments of this invention include a pass-through port, such as in the upper enclosure component, as an airlock-type passage for introducing and/or removing items from the patient compartment without opening the isolation apparatus. The pass-through port generally includes a passage with an internal end adjacent and/or within the patient chamber, and an external end outside of the patient chamber, wherein each of the internal end and the external end includes a resealable opening, such as a zippered opening. The pass-through port is configured to receive an object into the passage through the external end, and when an external end resealable opening is closed, an internal end resealable opening can be opened, such as using the glove arms, to access the object from the passage through the internal end. The reverse can be implemented to remove an item.
The pass-through port can be formed of any suitable ‘airlock’ structure, such as a tube or equivalent. In embodiments of this invention, the pass-through port comprises a flexible material surrounding the passage. When not in use, the flexible material can be folded or rolled and secured against the external surface of the upper enclosure component by straps or other suitable fastener.
In embodiments wherein the apparatus is collapsible or foldable, the enclosure can include one or more removable and/or foldable longitudinal spines configured to extend along a length of the upper enclosure component. The upper enclosure component can include a longitudinal sleeve configured to receive the longitudinal spine. The sleeve is desirably open at one end to receive the spine, and the end is closable by any suitable means, such as by being foldable at or over the opening and fastened back to itself to enclose the spine.
In embodiments of this invention, the upper enclosure component is supported about the patient by a plurality of spaced apart lateral ribs, each lateral rib configured to flex and press outward on the upper enclosure component. The lateral ribs can be formed of any suitable material, such as a fiberglass impregnated polymer material. In embodiments of this invention each rib is a two-layered rib structure is used, a first shaped rib matching the shape of the upper enclosure, and a second internal rib to provide an outward biasing force on the first rib. The outer rib can be polycarbonate, and the internal biasing rib can be fiberglass based.
The ribs desirably ‘float’ within the enclosure, in that they are not fixed to, or laminated between, the enclosure panels. The ribs can be held at opposing ends in rib pockets connected to the upper enclosure component. The individual ribs (including multi-layered rib pairs) are further secured to the upper enclosure component by a plurality of straps. In presently preferred embodiments, the strap adjacent (e.g., upstream on the rib) to one of the rib pockets is connected along an inside of the each lateral rib to the corresponding rib pocket by an adjustable fastener. Thus the rib can be tightened in place as needed.
In embodiments of this invention, the enclosure includes a fastener near an upper portion of the patient chamber and configured to receive a light source. Desirably, the fastener is configured to reduce emission of outward light through the transparent window panel. The light source can be a chemical light stick, such as attached by a hook and loop fastener.
The isolation apparatus includes filters and desirably a blower to pass air into and through the chamber to the patient. In embodiments of this invention, at least one of the two opposite end walls includes a blower and/or filter assembly attachment point, such as including a plurality of straps configured to removably secure the blower and/or filter assembly. The end further includes at least one blower/filter connection port. The other end desirably includes a plurality of filter ports, thus allowing air flow in through one end and out the other, over the patient.
Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings. Any of the individual features discussed herein can be used in an apparatus individually or in any varying combination, depending on need.
The present invention provides an isolation apparatus for transporting patients.
The upper enclosure component 26 is integrally and fixedly connected to the base 24 along one longitudinal side (
The zipper closure is desirably a gas and liquid tight zipper. The zipper 28 runs along one side and both ends of the apparatus 20, to provide the suitcase style opening as shown in the embodiment view of
The upper enclosure component 26 includes a longitudinal panel 30 and two opposite end walls 32 and 34. The upper enclosure component 26 includes one or more transparent window panels 36, illustrated as on each of the longitudinal panel 30 and the two end walls 32, 34 (
The upper enclosure component 26 includes a plurality of glove arms 40, as are known in the industry, which are sealed to the enclosure and extendable into the patient chamber. The glove arms 40 are accessible from outside the enclosure to permit medical intervention even when the zipper 28 of the apparatus 20 is closed and the apparatus 20 is sealed. The illustrated apparatus 20 includes twelve glove arms 40. As shown, pairs of the glove arms 40 are placed opposite each other, i.e., six on each of the two lengthwise sides of the apparatus 20. Various numbers and configurations of glove arms are available, depending on need.
In embodiments of this invention, each of the glove arms 40 includes a retraction tab 42 connected at one end inside the glove arm 40 for retracting the glove arm 40 from within the patient chamber. Desirably, the retraction tab 42 has a free end that is pulled by a user and then is fastenable to a counterpart fastener 44 on an outer surface of the upper enclosure component 26, to hold the glove 40 in a retracted state. Suitable fasteners include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, hooks, or equivalent.
In embodiments of this invention, the upper enclosure component 26 includes a medical port 50 to allow access for medical device tubing, power cords, etc. The illustrated medical port 50 includes three access tubes 52 configured to receive medical tubing and/or wiring therethrough. The medical port tubes 52 can include a removable cap or other suitable closure when not in use. Tape or other sealant can be used around the caps or around the inserted tubing/wires to create a barrier.
The upper enclosure component desirably includes a plurality of pass-through ports, each including an interior space alternatively closeable at opposite ends. Each pass-through port allows for introduction to or removal from the patient chamber of a sealed apparatus without breaking containment, or opening the enclosure zipper. The pass-through port of this invention includes an access opening to the patient chamber that is initially closed. A person on the outside of the apparatus can place an item (medicine, thermometers, syringes, water, food, etc.) into the pass-through port from an outer access, close the outer access, and open the inner access opening to retrieve the item on the inside of the patient chamber. The inner access can be opened by a glove arm, or by the person contained therein. Ideally, each of the opposing inside and outside closable openings remain closed until needed, then followed by only one side opened at a time.
In embodiments of this invention, such as shown in
The upper enclosure component 26 includes optional illumination points 82, which can be any suitable light source. In embodiments of this invention, the points 82 are connection points for chemical light sticks (i.e., ‘glow sticks’), which can be secured by any suitable fastener. One preferable fastener is a hook and loop fastener, which allows for quick and easy attachment or replacement using glove arms 40 to receive a glow stick via the pass-through port 70. Desirably the illumination points 82 are opaque, such that the light is blocked from emanating directly outward from the points, to reduce exposure in hostile areas.
As shown in
The upper enclosure component 26 is supported along the longitudinal length by spaced lateral ribs 100. In the illustrated embodiment, three ribs 100 are used, one at each end and one in the middle, but various configurations and numbers can be used depending on need and the type of ribs used. The ribs 100 desirably flex outward against the upper enclosure component 26. In embodiments of this invention, each of the ribs 100 is formed of two separate rib structures, which may be fixed together or simply held together by enclosure components. A first shaped rib matches the shape of the upper enclosure, and a second rib, internal and adjacent the first rib, provides an outward biasing force on the first rib. The first rib can be formed of a rigid polymer, such as polycarbonate material. The second rib can be a fiberglass material, such as a fiberglass impregnated polymer material, which is bent into place against the outer rib to provide outward biasing.
In embodiments of this invention, the lateral ribs 100 are formed of a fiberglass impregnated polymer material. The ribs can be fixedly integrated into the upper enclosure component 26, such as between material layers, or can be secured by fastening points to the inner surface of the upper enclosure component 26. As shown in
The isolation apparatus of this invention is preferably foldable into a collapsed form having a reduced length, desirably with a diameter no larger than that of the expanded enclosure. This allows for improved storage and transport until needed. In
The isolation apparatus of this invention is preferably used with a blower and/or filter system. Airflow to the patient can be provided by, for example, a battery-powered PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator) blower fitted with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) filters. A 7 cfm (min) rated blower provides approximately 18 to 21 air changes per hour within the isolator depending on patient volume. The apparatus can be operated with positive or negative pressure.
The upper enclosure component 226 is integrally and fixedly connected to the base 224 along one longitudinal side (See
The zipper closure is desirably a gas and liquid tight zipper. The zipper 228 runs along one side and both ends of the apparatus 220, to provide the suitcase style opening as shown in
The upper enclosure component 226 includes a longitudinal panel 230 and two opposite end walls 232 and 234. The upper enclosure component 226 includes one or more transparent window panels 236, illustrated as on each of the longitudinal panel 230 and the two end walls 232, 234. The transparent panels allow viewing into the patient chamber.
The upper enclosure component 226 includes a plurality of glove arms 240, which are sealed to the enclosure and extendable into the patient chamber. The glove arms 240 are accessible from outside the enclosure to permit medical intervention even when the zipper 228 of the apparatus 220 is closed and the apparatus 220 is sealed. The illustrated apparatus 220 includes twelve glove arms 240. As shown, pairs of the glove aims 240 are placed opposite each other, i.e., six on each of the two lengthwise sides of the apparatus 220.
In embodiments of this invention, each of the glove arms 240 includes a retraction tab 242 connected at one end inside the glove arm 240 for retracting the glove arm 240 from within the patient chamber. Desirably, the retraction tab 242 has a free end that is pulled by a user and then is fastenable to a counterpart fastener 244 on an outer surface of the upper enclosure component 226, to hold the glove 240 in a retracted state. Suitable fasteners include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, hooks, or equivalent.
In embodiments of this invention, the upper enclosure component 26 includes a medical port 250 to allow access for medical device tubing, power cords, etc. The illustrated medical port 250 includes three access tubes 252 configured to receive medical tubing and/or wiring therethrough. The medical port tubes 252 can include a removable cap 256 or other suitable closure when not in use. Tape 258 or other sealant can be used around the caps or around the inserted tubing/wires to create a barrier.
The upper enclosure component 226 further includes a plurality of pass-through ports 270, each including an interior space alternatively closeable at opposite ends. The pass-through ports 270 are formed of a flexible material pouch 272 that can be rolled up and fastened to the upper enclosure component 226 when not in use. The pouch 272 includes a passage with an internal end 274 adjacent and/or within the patient chamber 225, and an external end 276 outside of the patient chamber 225. Each of the internal end 274 and the external end 275 include a resealable opening 276, 278 that allows for access into and through the pouch 272. As illustrated, each resealable opening 276, 278 is or includes a zipper with a zipper pull 280, and opposing pull tabs 279 for ease of use. The upper enclosure component 226 desirably includes straps 277 configured to secure the flexible material pouch 272 in a folded or rolled configuration.
The upper enclosure component 226 includes illumination points 282, which can be any suitable light source, such as chemical light sticks (i.e., ‘glow sticks’). One preferable fastener is a hook and loop fastener, which allows for quick and easy attachment or replacement using glove arms 240 to receive a glow stick via the pass-through port 270. The illumination points 282 are opaque, such that the light is blocked from emanating directly outward from the points, to reduce exposure in hostile areas.
As shown in
The upper enclosure component 226 is supported along the longitudinal length by spaced lateral ribs 300. In the illustrated embodiment, three ribs 300 are used, one at each end and one in the middle, but various configurations and numbers can be used depending on need and the type of ribs used. The ribs desirably flex outward against the upper enclosure component 226. As shown in
The ribs 300 can be fixedly integrated into the upper enclosure component 226, such as between material layers, or can be secured by fastening points to the inner surface of the upper enclosure component 226. As shown in
The isolation apparatus of this embodiment also is preferably foldable into a collapsed form having a reduced length, desirably with a diameter no larger than that of the expanded enclosure.
Thus, the invention provides an isolation apparatus for isolating an individual patient either in chemical or biological incidents or in standard medical care and transport. The apparatus includes the above provided additional treatment features that allow treatment access to patients, as well as being collapsible when not in use.
The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element, part, step, component, or ingredient which is not specifically disclosed herein.
While in the foregoing detailed description this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.
